NEW YORK – Los Angeles Sparks center Amanda Zahui B. earned the Seasonlong WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm in recognition of her dedication and commitment to health and wellness, women and girls empowerment and social justice.  

Zahui B. was previously named the May WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm® recipient this season. 

Zahui B.’s passion and focus in the community includes the education of young people through reading.  This season, she started a book club with a 14-year-old girls AAU basketball team that focused on reading books written by Black authors and held group meetings on Zoom to read together and discuss the chapters. 

Additionally, Zahui B. is passionate about working with the homeless population in Los Angeles, spending time donating and helping in the community, working in soup kitchens, and handing out water and necessities like feminine hygiene products.  Zahui B. is focused on making the LA community a better place by creating a more comfortable environment for the homeless.

“Giving back to the community is a core part of being my authentic self,” said Zahui B.  “I’m passionate about inspiring youth and making the world a better place.  This is just the beginning of the impact I plan to make in Los Angeles, raising awareness about mental health and helping make our community a better place for everyone.”

Highlights of Zahui B.’s efforts in the community are included below:

March 2: As part of her commitment to encouraging reading for youth, Zahui B. read to children at Cortada Elementary School via Zoom.

June 2: Zahui B. joined the Sparks and Anthem Blue Cross for a Healthy Mind and Healthy Body virtual clinic for youth that discussed the importance of mental health.  

June 7: In celebration of WNBA Pride presented by Deloitte, Zahui B. wrote an article for wnba.com on what PRIDE means to her.

June 29: Along with the WNBA, AT&T and Los Angeles Sparks, Zahui B. participated in an interactive Her Time To Play virtual clinic for girls from the Los Angeles Community, which included a panel discussion exploring challenges that girls and women face in sports and in life. 

Aug. 7: As part of WNBA FIT Month presented by Kaiser Permanente, Zahui B. participated in a grocery pop-up in partnership with Goodr at Watts Empowerment Center to help address food insecurity by providing families in need with healthy food options.

Sept. 12: Zahui B. continues to serve as a role model and ally to the LGBTQ+ community and hosted a postgame Q&A with a Queer Field Day group.

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.  In recognition of Zahui B.’s commitment to her community, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $25,000 to Brotherhood Crusade.

Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist/ for more information on the award and its recipients.